CBSE Class 9 English (Beehive) Important Questions Chapter 8 - Kathmandu

1. Where does the narrator get a room in Kathmandu?
Ans. The narrator gets a cheap room in the centre of town.

2. Which two temples does the narrator visit in Kathmandu?
Ans. The narrator visits Pashupatinath Temple and Baudhnath Stupa.

3. Who is allowed to enter the Pashupatinath Temple?
Ans. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the Pashupatinath Temple.

4. What kind of atmosphere does the Baudhnath Stupa have?
Ans. The Baudhnath Stupa has a sense of stillness and calm.

5. What does the flute seller carry?
Ans. The flute seller carries a pole with fifty or sixty flutes protruding in all directions.

6. Describe the atmosphere at the Pashupatinath Temple.
Ans. The atmosphere at the Pashupatinath Temple is chaotic and full of activity. There are priests, hawkers, devotees, tourists, and even animals like cows, monkeys, and dogs roaming around. People push and elbow each other to get the priest's attention, and there is a general sense of confusion.

7. What is the difference between the atmosphere at Pashupatinath Temple and Baudhnath Stupa?
Ans. The atmosphere at Pashupatinath Temple is one of chaos and confusion, with crowds of people and animals. In contrast, the Baudhnath Stupa is calm and peaceful, with fewer people and a sense of stillness. The Stupa is a haven of quietness amidst the busy streets of Kathmandu.

8. What items does the narrator buy while exploring Kathmandu?
Ans. The narrator buys a bar of marzipan, a roasted corn-on-the-cob, a couple of love story comics, and a Reader’s Digest. He also drinks Coca Cola and an orange drink.

9. How does the narrator describe Kathmandu as a city?
Ans. The narrator describes Kathmandu as a vivid, mercenary, and religious city. It has small shrines, narrow and busy streets, fruit sellers, flute sellers, shops selling Western goods, and vendors shouting their wares. The city is full of sounds like film songs, car horns, and bicycle bells.

10. What does the flute seller do in the square near the hotel?
Ans.  The flute seller stands in a corner of the square, holding a pole with many flutes. He occasionally selects a flute and plays it, with the sound rising above the noise of the city. He sells his flutes in a casual manner, as if selling them is secondary to playing music.

11. Describe the narrator's visit to Pashupatinath Temple and the events he witnesses there.
Ans. The narrator visits Pashupatinath Temple, where he observes a chaotic and lively atmosphere. There are priests, devotees, tourists, and animals like cows, monkeys, and dogs roaming around. People are trying to get the attention of the priests, and some are elbowed aside by others. The narrator also sees a princess of the Nepalese royal house, and everyone bows to her. He notices a group of Westerners dressed in saffron trying to enter the temple, but they are denied entry as they are not Hindus. The narrator also witnesses a fight between two monkeys, and he describes the Bagmati River flowing by, where a corpse is being cremated, washerwomen are at work, and children are bathing.

12. How does the narrator spend his time in Kathmandu, and what does this reveal about his character?
Ans. The narrator spends his time in Kathmandu exploring the city, visiting temples, buying various items like marzipan, roasted corn, comics, and drinks. He also observes the flute seller and is deeply affected by the music. This reveals that the narrator is curious and open to new experiences. He indulges in the local culture and enjoys simple pleasures. His fascination with the flute music shows his sensitivity to art and his ability to find beauty in everyday life.

13. What contrasts does the narrator draw between Pashupatinath Temple and Baudhnath Stupa?
Ans. The narrator contrasts the chaotic atmosphere of Pashupatinath Temple with the calm and serene environment of Baudhnath Stupa. Pashupatinath is full of noise, crowds, and confusion, with people pushing and animals roaming around. In contrast, Baudhnath Stupa is peaceful, with fewer people and a sense of stillness. The shops around Baudhnath are small and owned by Tibetan immigrants, adding to the quiet and tranquil atmosphere. This contrast highlights the diverse nature of religious places in Kathmandu.

14. How does the narrator describe the flute seller and the effect of his music?
Ans. The narrator describes the flute seller standing in a corner of the square with a pole full of flutes. The flute seller plays the flute occasionally, and the sound rises above the noise of the city. He plays slowly and meditatively, without trying to attract attention. The narrator finds it difficult to tear himself away from the music, as flute music has a universal appeal to him. He describes the flute as the most universal and particular of sounds, connecting it to the commonality of all mankind. The music moves him deeply, showing the power of art to transcend cultural boundaries.

15. What thoughts does the narrator have about returning home, and how does he make his decision?
Ans. The narrator considers taking a long route back home, which would involve travelling by bus and train to Patna, then sailing up the Ganges past Benaras to Allahabad, and then up the Yamuna to Delhi. However, he feels too exhausted and homesick to undertake such a journey. He decides to take a more direct route home and buys a ticket for a flight with Nepal Airlines. This decision reflects his longing for the comfort of home and his need for rest after his travels.

16. Why do you think the narrator is so deeply affected by the flute music?
Ans. The narrator is deeply affected by the flute music because it has a universal quality that connects with the human spirit. The sound of the flute is similar to the human voice, and its simplicity and purity evoke strong emotions. The narrator finds the music soothing and evocative, reminding him of the commonality of all cultures and the beauty of simple, traditional art forms. The music's ability to rise above the noise of the city also symbolizes a sense of peace amidst chaos, which resonates with the narrator.

15. What does the description of Kathmandu reveal about the city's cultural diversity?
Ans. The description of Kathmandu reveals that the city is a vibrant mix of cultures, religions, and traditions. The presence of both Hindu and Buddhist temples, the variety of people from different backgrounds, and the blend of traditional and modern elements all highlight Kathmandu's cultural diversity. The city is depicted as a place where different beliefs coexist, with bustling streets full of vendors, pilgrims, tourists, and locals. This diversity is reflected in the variety of goods sold in the markets, the different types of music, and the coexistence of shrines from multiple religions.

16. How does the narrator’s experience at Pashupatinath Temple reflect the complexities of religious practices?
Ans. The narrator’s experience at Pashupatinath Temple reflects the complexities of religious practices through the various rituals, rules, and behaviours he observes. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple, which creates a sense of exclusivity and highlights the importance of religious identity. The chaotic atmosphere, with people pushing to get the priest’s attention and the presence of a royal figure, shows the different layers of religious and social hierarchy. The fight between the monkeys and the cremation at the riverbank further illustrate the coexistence of the sacred and the mundane, highlighting the complexity of religious life.

17. What role does the environment of Kathmandu play in shaping the narrator's experience?
Ans. The environment of Kathmandu plays a significant role in shaping the narrator's experience by providing a backdrop of vibrant activity, cultural diversity, and sensory stimulation. The bustling streets, crowded temples, and the contrast between chaos and calm all contribute to the narrator's perception of the city. The vivid descriptions of sights, sounds, and smells create an immersive experience for the narrator, making his visit memorable. The environment also influences his emotional state, from the excitement of exploring the city to the sense of peace he finds in the flute music.

18. Why does the narrator feel an emotional connection to the flute seller’s music, despite being in a foreign land?
Ans. The narrator feels an emotional connection to the flute seller’s music because music, especially flute music, has a universal appeal that transcends cultural boundaries. The flute's sound is simple, pure, and closely resembles the human voice, making it relatable to people from different backgrounds. The narrator's emotional response to the music suggests that art has the power to evoke deep feelings and create connections, regardless of where one is. The familiarity of the music provides comfort to the narrator, reminding him of the shared humanity that unites people across different cultures.

19. What is the significance of the princess’s appearance at Pashupatinath Temple?
Ans. The appearance of the princess at Pashupatinath Temple signifies the blending of religious and social hierarchies. Her presence causes everyone to bow and make way, highlighting the respect given to royalty even in religious settings. It shows how social status and religion are intertwined in the culture.

20. Why does the narrator describe Kathmandu as ‘vivid, mercenary, and religious’?
Ans. The narrator describes Kathmandu as ‘vivid, mercenary, and religious’ because of its lively and colourful atmosphere, the presence of vendors and shops focused on profit (mercenary), and the numerous shrines and temples that reflect the city’s deep religiosity. This description captures the essence of Kathmandu as a city full of life, commerce, and spirituality.

21. How does the narrator's visit to Kathmandu reflect his attitude towards travel?
Ans. The narrator’s visit to Kathmandu reflects his open-minded and curious attitude towards travel. He takes the time to explore the city, visit important religious sites, and observe the local culture. He indulges in local foods and buys items from the market, showing his willingness to experience new things. His fascination with the flute music also shows his appreciation for the arts and his ability to find beauty in different cultures.

22. What does the narrator’s decision to take a direct flight home suggest about his state of mind?
Ans. The narrator's decision to take a direct flight home suggests that he is feeling exhausted and homesick. Despite initially considering a more adventurous route, he ultimately chooses the quickest way back, indicating his desire for rest and the comfort of home. This decision reflects the emotional toll of travel and the longing for familiarity after an extended period away.

23. How does the narrator use sensory imagery to describe his experiences in Kathmandu?
Ans. The narrator uses sensory imagery to describe his experiences in Kathmandu by vividly detailing the sights, sounds, and smells of the city. He describes the bustling streets, the blaring film songs, the aroma of roasted corn, and the sound of flute music. This use of sensory imagery helps create a rich, immersive picture of Kathmandu, allowing the reader to feel as if they are experiencing the city alongside the narrator.

Benefits of Important Questions for Class 9 English Chapter 8 - Kathmandu

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Conclusion:

"Kathmandu" in Class 9 English (Beehive) gives us a look into the lively and contrasting experiences of the author in the city of Kathmandu. Vikram Seth describes the busy and chaotic atmosphere at the Pashupatinath Temple and the calm, peaceful feeling at the Baudhnath Stupa. This chapter lets us feel the unique mix of sacred places and everyday activities that make Kathmandu special. Vedantu’s important questions FREE PDF for this chapter helps students understand the important parts of the story, making it easier to prepare for exams. These are brought to you by the best subject matter experts and ensure relevance and accuracy of the questions and answers provided.

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